Catholic Inspiration

This talk is the third of three given at a KC Men's Retreat.  The focus of this talk is on SERVICE - how we intentionally live out our faith, following the example of Jesus Christ.  This talk provides a method and general guidelines for the application of faith in daily life. September 13, 2014 - St. Joseph Church - Hayward, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com  

This talk is the second of three given at a KC Men's Retreat.  The focus of this talk is on PRAYER - how we build and develop our relationship with Jesus Christ.  A number of practical points are made to show how each of us can connect with the Lord in ways that make sense to our own unique temperment and style. September 13, 2014 - St. Joseph Church - Hayward, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

This talk is the first of three given at a KC Men's Retreat.  The focus of this talk is on STUDY - how we learn about our faith so we can feed our minds and develop our relationship with Jesus Christ.  A number of practical points are made to show how each of us can find particular ways to intellectually grow. September 13, 2014 - St. Joseph Church - Hayward, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

Keys are part of our lives.  Here are three ways in particular: Power - to do stuff Authority - the right to do stuff in formal & informal ways Responsibility - to be accountable for the stuff we do How will we use the keys we have been given?  How will we offer our lives to use what we have been given in good and prudent ways. August 24, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

Do you remember a time when you were a stranger, visitor, or guest?  Were you welcomed?  Who welcomed you?  How did they make you feel, and how did they help you fit in? Welcoming others is a central part of hospitality.  When we recognize that we are brothers and sisters in the Lord, how do we interact with one another?  God reaches out to all people, inviting them to draw near.  May the Lord help us to treat one another with the love and enthusiasm of Christ! August 17, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

Four scenes are touched in this homily: 1) Jesus feeding the 5000 2) Jesus alone in prayer 3) Jesus approaching the boat during a storm 4) Jesus saving Peter We can enter into each of these scenes and recognize God at work in our lives in moments of gratitude, stillness, fear, help.  Just as the Lord was present to the people in the Gospel, he is present to us!  May we reach out and let him take us by the hand. August 10, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

The crowds drawn to Jesus in the Gospel are healed and fed by the Lord, who again at the Last Supper does the following with bread: Takes Blesses Breaks Gives This happened at the Feeding Miracle and the Last Supper, and it happens at every Mass!  We receive the Lord himself, who strengthens and nourishes us so that we will be a blessing to the people and situations that confront us! August 3, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI   Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com  

How do we make decisions?  What aspects of our Christian faith can help and guide us to choose wisely?  Here are three points to keep in mind: Inward - the wisdom that already exists in our hearts/minds Outward - the people in my life who offer wise counsel and support Upward - the way we engage our faith to call down wisdom from Heaven Choices confront us all the time.  When we look in, out, and up we make the best decisions possible - drawing on all the resources that God provides. July 27, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com  

Seeds and Weeds are part of every garden.  Seeds require care and attention; weeds are constant presence that require dedicated effort to remove.   What's true for the garden is also true for our hearts.  There are seeds that we want to grow into fruitful harvests of virtue & spiritual gifts, and their are weeds in the form of sin and temptation that we want to remove. July 19, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

A garden offers many insights for life and spiritual life: A positive attitude that keeps trying in spite of difficulty Cultivating a variety of skills that are dedicated to getting better Hard work that is expended through labor, energy, and effort These practical points of gardening can inspire us to apply them to our spiritual lives, that we take the gift of life that we have been given and offer the blessing of our uniqueness opportunities to be a blessing to others. July 13, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

There are many ways to say "I love you" to the people in our lives: with words with actions being present to another in silence and stillness The reality of love, its power and beauty, can thus be expressed in many different ways.  Similarly, the love of God is revealed to us through the mystery of the Trinity: one God, revealed in three Persons. May we enter into this great mystery of God's love, and may we express this love - in a variety of powerful ways - to the people in our lives. June 15, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com  

The Holy Spirit - the third Person of the Trinity - descended upon the disciples and empowered them to proclaim the Good News of Christ.  With the power of the Spirit these disciples will change the world. Here are two powerful ways the Spirit helps us: To find our path and direction - giving us guidance To provide power and strength - to carry out our tasks The Spirit continues to work through us today - guiding and empowering us to live our lives for the Lord.  Come Holy Spirit! June 8, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

There are times in life when we need to say goodbye - letting go of familiar things and embracing new opportunities and challenges.  Transitions are difficult, yet they are a common way we grow. The Feast of the Ascension reminds us that the disciples faced their transition as the Lord was lifted up to Heaven.  We, too, are called to step out and undertake the opportunities and challenges that the Lord sets before us, embracing our transitions so that the Lord can stretch and transform us! June 1, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

God commands us to love, both the Lord and one another.  Love is a way we live - a verb that calls us to actions.  3 thoughts: Where in my life is it hard to love?  Name it! What's my part in that?  Own it! Call on the Lord for grace to love.  Ask for it!   May 25, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For other podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Stones are the bones of the earth.  They may or may not be attractive, but when they are shaped and formed they can become powerful - capable of supporting tremendous weight. Our hearts can do the same.  When we shape and form our hearts - working together with those around us - we become a living temple that gives glory to God.  In our unity we become strong, united in the Lord's love for service in the world. May 18, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jesus is not only the shepherd who calls us, he is the gate that protects and guards. When our our lives on earth are finished, the Lord will not only call us - but he will be at the gate.  Will we be ready to greet him?  Do we have any unfinished business that needs to be addressed?  If so, then perhaps today offers the opportunity for us to attend to our hearts. May 11, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Christ's greeting "Peace be with you!" in the Gospel teaches us about the Lord's longing for us: Serenity is a part of God's desire for us Many things attempt to steal that peace from us We hunger and long for peace...we need it!  And to understand peace, there are two distinct components to look for: What - the thing itself, which is our goal and objective  How - the way we live and act Both are crucial for an authentic expression of the Lord's peace, and both are required if we will live the Peace of Christ in our hearts. April 27, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day transforms the hearts of the disciples.  Formerly afraid and timid, they will now boldly go out into the world - facing terrible fears - proclaiming the Good News with joy.   The power of the resurrection continues through our lives today.  We embrace the examples of the apostles and continue the mission of Christ.   This is Easter power!  Filled with hope and joy! April 20, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

The death of the Lord on the Cross reveals God's uncondional love to take away sin and as Jesus stood in our place. April 12, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Lazarus, brought back to life by Jesus, is given a second chance - a gift - to live his life.  His example reminds us that every day is a gift from the Lord to share our lives with joy and power. April 6, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.